As part of its Community Benefits Plan, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is donating $40,000 in support of United Way’s Ujima initiative, which is set to launch for local students this winter.
“We heard from residents in Sandwich that partnerships with local agencies would be a key priority for a successful Community Benefits Plan tailored to the region,” said Bryce Phillips, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. “We’re proud to assist United Way as they launch a program that will positively affect the future of local youth, and celebrates and supports the many cultures that make up Sandwich.”
The $40,000 donation being put towards the Ujima program is part of a larger $160,000 to be provided to United Way between 2021 – 2024 with annual investments of $40,000. Funding will go directly into supporting programs for Sandwich-area youth.
The Ujima initiative will support Black youth enrolled in United Way’s On Track to Success program. The word ‘Ujima’ (pronounced oo-JEE-ma) means collective work, union and association in Swahili.
“Racially-marginalized youth face additional cultural and racial barriers navigating through school and in life. The Ujima initiative aims to provide a more culturally relevant program students in our On Track to Success program,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation through the Community Benefits Plan from the Gordie Howe International Bridge project team,” she added.
